People who have the flu can easily spread it to others without knowing. Most of the experts believe that flu viruses mainly spread by the droplets that are made when a person with flu sneezes, talks or coughs. These droplets can land in the nose or the mouth of a person who is nearby, usually within 6 feets, or can be possibly inhaled into the lungs as well. And a person can also get the flu by touching an object that might have its viruses on it, and then touching their nose, mouth or eyes. And thus, it is very important to know about the preventive measure of flu so that it does not spread to others and how long is the flu contagious for people. So to make you aware about both the things, we got you covered through this article.
As you scroll down, you will find out complete details on flu, such as how long the flu is contagious, what are the different measures to prevent the spread of flu and much more. So just keep reading to check out all the info.
How Long Is The Flu Contagious?
So flu viruses can be easily detected in most of the infected persons from the beginning, i.e. 1 day before the symptoms are developed and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming ill. People with flu are most contagious in the starting 3 to 4 days after tehri sickness begins. However, people who have weaker immune systems and infants who are infected with flu viruses might be contagious for a longer period of time, almost more than 7 days.
The symptoms of flu mainly begin about 2 days (or can range between 1 to 4 days) after the flu virus has infected the respiratory system of a person. It is also theoretically possible that before the symptoms of the flu begins, an infected person can easily spread the viruses of flu to other close contacts as well. Even some people can be infected with this virus but still have no symptoms, but might be able to spread it to other people who are close by.
What Are The Measures To Prevent The Spread Of Flu?
Now, as we just read above about how long is the flu contagious, let’s look at the preventive measures of it. So to stay healthy in the flu season, experienced doctors suggest everyone to follow a multi-pronged approach to prevent flu. And so below mentioned are the things that you need to do-
- Get your Vaccine of Flu Every Fall- It is said by the CDC that one of the most important steps in preventing flu is by getting a flu vaccine every year. The flu shot is one of the best defences against the flu. And it is also observed in many studies that if a person gets a flu vaccine, he/she is less likely to have an illness and so much less likely to be hospitalised.
- Wash your Hands Regularly- It is shown in many researches that a person touches their face an average of 23 times in an hour. So just imagine all the things that you have touched since the last time you washed your hands, and all that harms your skin and body. And then you also rub your eyes with those hands, which is very harmful for you. So, washing your hands is the number 1 way to keep germs and viruses away and from making their way into your body and making you ill. So make sure to wash your hands when-
- Before and after contacting a sick and ill person.
- After touching animal waste or even animals.
- Whenever you feel you are dirty or look dirty.
- After you use the toilet at a private and public place or while changing diapers.
- After you touch garbage, body fluids or whenever you have doubts that your hands are not clean.
- Always when you come back home from an outside place.
- Before and after you treat a cut, wound or sore.
- After you have brown your nose, sneezed or coughed. Also remember to wash your hands often when you are sick, so that you can prevent spreading your germs to other people around you.
- And wash your hands properly for at least 20 seconds with water and soap. And if you are not able to use soap and water, you can also use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Everyday Preventive Measures for Flu- As you already know about how long is the flu contagious, it’s better to prevent it by these ways, which can limit your chances of getting infected-
- Avoid being around people who are sick whenever it’s possible for you.
- Stay away from other people when you feel sick or don’t feel well, especially when you have a cold or fever.
- Consider consuming supplements of vitamin D and multivitamins to support your immune system. Also, remember to ask your healthcare provider if you think you would be benefitted from supplements.
- Eat well, exercise and get enough rest to recover properly.
- Also, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
Flu is considered to be a very tricky virus which can find its own way in your body. If you are ill and think it’s the flu, you need to keep your distance and maintain it with others to only keep it to yourself. Also, the symptoms and flu and covid-19 are quite confusing and similar. So if you think you might be infected with either of these viruses, then call or meet a healthcare provider as early as possible, because early treatment equals better results. And there are different types of medications that your doctor can give you to help reduce the effects of the flu.
And so above are the details of how long is the flu contagious and how you can prevent the spread of flu. So just be aware and try to make other people aware as well, so that more people can stay safe!
